Planning the development of human resources for health for implementation of the Stop TB Strategy. A handbook

Transcription

1 Planning the development of human resources for health for implementation of the Stop TB Strategy A handbook

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3 Planning the development of human resources for health for implementation of the Stop TB Strategy A handbook Stop TB Department Department of Human Resources for Health United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Tuberculosis Elimination

4 WHO Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data Planning the development of human resources for health for implementation of the Stop TB Strategy : a handbook. WHO/HTM/TB/ Health manpower. 2.Health personnel - administration and organization. 3.Tuberculosis - prevention and control. 4.Health policy. 5.Strategic planning. I.World Health Organization. Stop TB Dept. II.World Health Organization. Dept of Human Resources for Health. III.Centers for Disease Control (U.S.). ISBN (NLM classification: WF 200) World Health Organization 2009 All rights reserved. Publications of the World Health Organization can be obtained from WHO Press, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland (tel.: ; fax: ; bookorders@who.int). Requests for permission to reproduce or translate WHO publications whether for sale or for noncommercial distribution should be addressed to WHO Press, at the above address (fax: ; permissions@who.int). The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the World Health Organization concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Dotted lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement. The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the World Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters. All reasonable precautions have been taken by the World Health Organization to verify the information contained in this publication. However, the published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. The responsibility for the interpretation and use of the material lies with the reader. In no event shall the World Health Organization be liable for damages arising from its use. Designed by Creative Lynx, Geneva Printed by the WHO Document Production Services, Geneva, Switzerland

5 Contents Abbreviations ii Preface iii Preparation of this document iv Introduction 1 Using this handbook 2 Part I: Developing the health workforce: background, issues, challenges 5 and a way forward Chapter 1 Human resources in the health sector: an overview 7 Chapter 2 The Human Resources for Health Action Framework 12 Chapter 3 The Stop TB Strategy 16 Chapter 4 The HRH Action Framework and HRD for implementation 18 of the Stop TB Strategy Part II: Towards comprehensive TB control: Developing HRD plans for 23 implementation of the Stop TB Strategy Chapter 5 The planning process 25 Chapter 6 HRD vision and goal, strategies, and implementation approaches 27 Chapter 7 HRD workings groups 29 Chapter 8 HRD strategic plan and annual implementation plans 30 Part III: Preparing HRD plans for implementation of the Stop TB Strategy: 35 a step-by-step guide Chapter 9 Developing plans using the framework for strategic HRD plans 37 Chapter 10 Developing HRD annual implementation plans 55 Conclusions and next steps 61 Annex 1: Glossary 63 Annex 2: Resources 75 Annex 3: Sample HRD structure in the NTP 85 i

6 Abbreviations DOT directly observed therapy DOTS The internationally recommended strategy for TB control until 2005, and the foundation of the new Stop TB Strategy introduced in 2006 FBO faith-based organizations FTE full-time equivalent GF Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria GHI global health initiative HBC high-burden country (for tuberculosis, of which there are 22) HR human resources HRD human resource development HRH human resources for health HRM human resource management MDG Millennium Development Goal MDR-TB multidrug-resistant tuberculosis MOH Ministry of Health NAP national aids control programme NGO nongovernmental organization NTP national tuberculosis control programme PAL practical approach to lung health SMART specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-bound SWOT strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats TB tuberculosis TBCAP Tuberculosis Control Assistance Programme TBCTA Tuberculosis Coalition for Technical Assistance WHO World Health Organization XDR-TB extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis ii

7 Preface Planning human resources to achieve the international goals and targets set for global control of tuberculosis (TB) is a complex and challenging management task. Furthermore, countries highly affected by the disease have the additional challenge of tackling a general workforce crisis, and managers of national TB control programmes are faced daily with the daunting tasks caused by this double crisis. Managers of health systems are thus confronted by an enormous challenge, or double-bind: how to find the right balance between devoting sufficient staff time to specific diseases and meeting the general health needs of populations in a primary health-care environment. Health priorities compete for attention. Maximizing the quality and quantity of existing human resources to achieve one health goal without jeopardizing another is never an easy decision. Integrating human resources at all levels of the health system provides one way of serving the different needs for health care. To achieve such integration, close working ties between departments responsible for disease control, health planning, human resources, and health administration need to be established. The central theme of this handbook points to the need for close collaboration between, and coordination among, national TB control programmes and the departments of health system management or human resources for health of the Ministry of Health and their respective partners. This is necessary to ensure that the health workforce is able to carry out the specific tasks necessary to implement the Stop TB Strategy. By offering this practical guidance, we hope to fully equip managers of TB control programmes with the tools necessary for effective collaboration. This in turn will foster the development of integrated human resources equipped to deliver services for TB control within the context of primary health care to reach the TB-related Millennium Development Goals. This handbook offers an opportunity to help countries establish a balanced workforce that will respond to the gamut of primary health-care needs while rigorously pursuing the objective to stop TB. Dr Mario Raviglione Director WHO Stop TB Department Dr Manuel Dayrit Director WHO Department of Human Resources for Health Dr Kenneth Castro Director CDC Division of Tuberculosis Elimination iii

8 Preparation of this document This handbook was prepared following a review of the available literature on TB control, human resource development, and health system structures and reforms. Key WHO documents included the 2006 World Health Report (Working Together for Health), the documentation of the HRH Action Framework (available at web site and the report of the Joint Learning Initiative (Human Resources for Health: Overcoming the Crisis). Other important literature in these areas was identified through a continuous review of the WHO web site as well as webbased searches of the available literature. Selected managers of national TB control programmes and focal points for human resource development were also consulted. Valuable experience contributing to the development of this handbook was also gained during a series of regional and national workshops held in on human resource development for TB control in high-burden countries of Asia and Africa. These workshops were supported by the United States Agency for International Development through the Tuberculosis Coalition for Technical Assistance. Additional experience in the strategic approach advocated in this handbook has been obtained through ongoing technical assistance to high-burden countries, in particular China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Thailand. The handbook was drafted by Palitha Abeykoon, Karin Bergstrom and Wanda Walton. A draft version was presented at a postgraduate course during the World Lung Health Conference in Cape Town, South Africa in 2007 and to the meetings of managers of national TB control programme managers in the WHO African, Eastern Mediterranean, European and South-East Asia regions in Staff of the WHO departments of Stop TB and Human Resources for Health provided valuable feedback on the draft, which was then circulated to all WHO regional TB advisers and selected country-based staff, to the TBCTA-TBCAP working group on Improved Human and Institutional Capacity, to selected experts on human resources for health, and to other individuals interested in human resource development and disease control. Significant contributions to the completion of the handbook were made by Carmelia Basri, Pierpaolo de Colombani, Norbert Dreesch, Suksont Jittimanee, Virendersingh Salhotra, Asik Surya, Mukund Uplekar and Rosalyn Vianzon. No relevant conflicts of interest were declared by the contributors. It is intended that this document will be reviewed for possible revision in The United States Agency for International Development financially supported the development of this document through its Grant to the World Health Organization and through the sub-agreement to WHO of the Cooperative Agreement with the KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation for the Tuberculosis Control Assistance Program (TB-CAP). iv

9 Introduction Human resources, the different kinds of clinical and non-clinical staff who make each public health intervention happen, are the most important of the health system s inputs. The performance of health care systems depends ultimately on the knowledge, skills, and motivation of the people responsible for delivering services. The world health report 2000 health systems: improving performance. Geneva, World Health Organization, 2000 Developing capable, motivated, and supported health workers is essential for overcoming bottlenecks to achieve national and global health goals. The world health report 2006 working together for health. Geneva, World Health Organization, 2006 People deliver health Human resources for health: overcoming the crisis. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press, 2004 All countries, rich and poor, need health workers who are well trained, motivated, sufficient in numbers, and evenly distributed geographically and by type and level of services in order to ensure that their health-care systems perform well. Few countries, however, can claim to have successfully met that need. Even among rich countries, few, if any, have been able to recruit and train a workforce that adequately meets the needs and expectations of their populations, or have achieved a distribution of health personnel that guarantees equitable access to health services. The health workforce is one of the key building blocks of health systems. Salaries represent up to two-thirds of recurrent health expenditure. The performance and attitudes of providers of health services shape perceptions about how well the needs for health care of their clients are being met, and influence how well available resources for health are converted into effective health outcomes. In any country, a well-performing workforce is one that is available, competent, responsive, and productive. Despite the importance of human resources (HR) to the effectiveness of health programmes and of interventions such as tuberculosis (TB) control, scant attention has been paid to adequately developing this area in the past. Traditionally, efforts to develop HR in health have been restricted to training and, to a lesser extent, planning and personnel management. The areas of HR policy development, performance management, health worker motivation and retention, and personnel management have not received due importance, partially as a result of their complexity. This neglect, combined with the effects of a global labour market, has led to what is now described as the global crisis in the health workforce. There are no shortcuts or straightforward solutions to resolve this crisis. Evidence shows, however, that effective workforce strategies enhance the performance of health systems, even under difficult circumstances. Developing a workforce to meet national health needs will require sustained efforts over time, building coalitions among all stakeholders, including national TB control programmes (NTPs). Human resource development (HRD) for implementation of the Stop TB Strategy is integral to overall HRD in the health system. 1

10 Using this handbook Why is this handbook needed? The strengths and sustainability of NTPs depend on timely, adequate, and ongoing hiring, training, deployment, motivation, and management of health workers to ensure that the Stop TB Strategy can be implemented in the context of national guidelines to reach the TB-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Services for TB control are provided within the framework of national health systems. It is now widely accepted that the dire shortage of health workers in many places is among the most significant constraints to achieving the health-related MDGs: to reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, and combat HIV/AIDS and other diseases such as TB and malaria. The development of the health workforce is concerned with the different functions involved in planning, managing, and supporting the professional development of the health workforce within the health system. HRD aims to secure the right people, with the right skills and motivation, in the right place, at the right time. Terminology in this area is constantly evolving, with lack of consensus on definitions. In this document, health workforce development, human resources for health (HRH), and human resource development are used interchangeably. HRD in this context refers to the process of planning, managing, and supporting the health workforce for comprehensive TB control within overall health workforce development. Annex 1 provides a glossary of terms used in this handbook. In an increasingly complex environment, effectively planning and managing the workforce will require innovative approaches and involvement from high-priority programmes (such as HIV/ AIDS, TB, and malaria), as well as a commitment to both short-term and long-term solutions. For example, the occurrence of drug resistance, especially for TB (MDR-TB and XDR-TB) can complicate HR management and should therefore also be considered by health programmes (or NTPs) in their analysis of the situation and the development of future strategies. Global health initiatives (GHIs), such as the Stop TB Partnership, are a critical part of a well-balanced approach to health workforce development in the health sector. Within NTPs, the overall management of the health workforce is often not given its due importance. In the context described above, NTPs need to take a more proactive role, and develop and support strategic approaches to staffing, competence development, and creating an enabling environment for all staff involved in implementation of the Stop TB Strategy, as well as coordinating their efforts with overall health workforce development. There are tools and guidelines related to HRD, of with many are listed in Annex 2 of this document. However, until now, there has been no specific tool available to guide the overall development of a plan for human resource development for comprehensive TB control for implementation of the Stop TB Strategy. 2

11 For whom is this handbook intended? This handbook is intended to give guidance to those responsible for developing country-specific strategic plans and annual implementation plans for HRD for comprehensive TB control within overall HRH development. It is also intended for use by consultants, donor agencies, and others involved in supporting NTPs to prepare and implement strategic plans for HRD in support of the overall Strategic Plan for TB Control, and to prepare subsequent annual implementation plans to manage HRD activities in the NTP. What does this handbook contain? Part I of this handbook provides background information on the current workforce situation in the health sector and summarizes the issues and challenges. The HRH Action Framework and the Stop TB Strategy are introduced. The Framework is then applied to HRD for comprehensive TB control. Part II describes how to prepare a strategic plan for HRD in support of comprehensive TB control within the NTP. Part III gives a step-by-step guide on how to develop HRD plans based on the structures and processes described in Parts I and II. It includes a template for developing a strategic plan and an annual implementation plan, with examples of actions that need to be taken to develop each section of the respective plan. This document is not a comprehensive handbook on HRD. Rather, it is intended as a practical guide for those involved in HRD as it relates to control of TB. Annex 2 provides a list of reference material on various aspects of HRD and TB control. This handbook expands the HRH Action Framework described in Part I, Chapter 3. The definitions of planning terms are described in Part II, Chapter 2. How is the HRD plan encompassed within the overall NTP strategic plan? The HRD strategic plan for implementation of the Stop TB Strategy can be either a separate document or a comprehensive plan included in the overall country strategic plan for TB control. Irrespective of its presentation, the strategic plan should be developed by the NTP using the planning process described in this document. As we focus on delivering, using a single country plan of action, let us remember that it is only a strong and stable health system that can absorb more resources. The backbone of any strong health system is the workforce, and I must say at this point that we are losing too many well-trained young people to partners. It is therefore imperative that we build the capacities of Ministries of Health so that they can deliver their mandate effectively. Dr Wilfred Machage, Assistant Minister for Health Services, Kenya Afro Partners Forum, March

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13 Part I: Developing the health workforce: background, issues, challenges and a way forward Part I provides an overview of human resources in the health sector, and outlines key challenges to the development of the health workforce globally at different levels of the health system. The HRH Action Framework is introduced, and the building blocks of the health system, other than the health workforce, are briefly described to clarify the context. The Stop TB Strategy, which is the basis for the development of the necessary human resources for TB control, is also described. Finally, the roles and functions of HRH departments and NTPs within the context of the HRH Action Framework are described. Achieving the Millennium Development Goals will depend on finding effective human resource approaches that can be implemented rapidly. But simply training people to deliver disease-approaches should also consider the larger health systems challenges that are related to the pervasive disadvantages associated with low income. The world health report 2006 working together for health. Geneva, World Health Organization,

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15 Chapter 1 - Human resources in the health sector: an overview It is the job of health workers to protect and improve the health of communities. Together, these health workers, in all their diversity, make up the global health workforce. This workforce is at the core of each and every health system and is essential to advancing health. The definition of health workers used in this document is drawn from the system described in the World Health Report This system distinguishes two groups of health workers: those who are directly involved in delivering health-care services (i.e., health service providers such as physicians and nurses), and those who are indirectly involved in providing these services (i.e., health management and support workers such as accountants and administrative officers) (Figure 1). The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are a total of 59.2 million full-time, paid health workers worldwide 1. Health service providers constitute about two-thirds of the global health workforce, while the remaining third consists of health management and support workers. Figure 1 Health workers in all sectors a Sector Health sector All other sectors HEALTH WORKFORCE Occupation HEALTH SERVICE PROVIDERS HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT WORKERS HEALTH SERVICE PROVIDERS ALL OTHERS s, e.g. doctor, nurse, miadwife s, e.g. accountantin a hospital E.g. physician employed in a mining company, e.g. laboratory technician, e.g. traditional practitioner, e.g. adminidtrative professional in a hospital, e.g. clerical workers in a hospital, drivers, e.g. painters in a hospital a Source: The world health report 2006 working together for health. Geneva, World Health Organization, The world health report 2006 working together for health. Geneva, World Health Organization, 2006 (available at accessed April 2008). 7

16 Evidence is now available to demonstrate that the number and quality of workers are positively associated with positive outcomes (Figure 2). Figure 2 Health workers save lives a Maternal Survival Probability of survival Child Survival Infant Survival Low High Low Proportion of health workers per population High a Source: The world health report 2006 working together for health. Geneva, World Health Organization, 2006 Health interventions cannot be carried out without health workers. Developing a competent, motivated, and supported health workforce is therefore essential for overcoming obstacles to achieving national and global health goals. Efforts to improve global health face an unprecedented crisis in human resources, generating not only a health crisis, but also developmental, security and moral crises. The causes are not new, but new dimensions have been added, including the TB and HIV/AIDS epidemic, distortions in the global and national health worker markets, and under-investment to support needs. The consequences are complex and interrelated, raising issues of worker shortages and uneven distribution, public sector reform, health sector reform, donor behaviour, and politics and governance. WHO has defined a threshold in workforce density below which high coverage of essential interventions, including those necessary to meet the health-related MDGs, is very unlikely. This threshold has been estimated at 2.28 health-care professionals (qualified doctors, nurses and midwives) per 1000 population. Based on these estimates, there are currently 57 countries with critical shortages, of which 36 are in sub-saharan Africa (Figure 3). Out of these 36, there are 7 which are also classified as high TB burden countries (HBCs). Shortages in the workforce are neither universal nor uniform across low-income countries or even within countries. Inadequate skills mix, distributional imbalances, unfilled vacancies, and poor working conditions compound the problem. 8

17 Figure 3 Distribution of the global health workforce a < > 3.87 per 1000 population a Source: The World Health Organization. Global Atlas of the Health Workforce ( who.int/globalatlas/default.asp, accessed January 2006). Developing the health workforce is one of the key issues in overall health systems development. The quality of service delivery, including interventions for comprehensive TB control based on the Stop TB Strategy, depends largely on the performance of personnel, enabled by the availability of sufficient facilities, equipment and drugs, and a supportive environment. The performance of personnel depends on various factors, including motivation, training, supervision, salaries, working conditions, and job certainty and stability (reducing planned staff turnover or rotation), all of which require health workforce policies that are carefully formulated and implemented (Figure 4). The various levels of the health system face different challenges with regards to the health workforce. At the macro level (national health-care system), the main issues and challenges relate to: the size and composition of the health workforce, i.e. the stock of HRH; distribution of workers among health service delivery levels and across the country; the regulation of education and professional practice for health workers; and the general parameters of working conditions, incentive systems, payment mechanisms and labour relations for health workers. 9

18 Figure 4 Factors affecting the performance of the health workforce PERFORMANCE CAN DO CAPABILITY WILL DO MOTIVATION Factors affecting capability: appropriate training, adequate skills and competencies, re-training, updated knowledge Factors increasing motivation: recognition, love of work, career structure, seeing results, social respect Factors keeping you: salary, supervision, working conditions, adequate work load, etc. At the intermediate level (regional or local health authorities and health organizations), health workforce issues relate to the application of policies and decisions made at a higher level, which are addressed in a more or less autonomous manner, depending on the degree of decision-making and management decentralization. Also important at this level is the capacity to provide and ensure that the peripheral or micro level is appropriately equipped and capacitated to do the job. At the micro level, health workforce management is less concerned with groups and categories of personnel, as is the case at the other levels, but rather with individuals. Issues are more likely to be performance management, including relevance of acquired skills, supervision, evaluation or conflict resolution. All three levels perform their duties according to their capabilities. However, each level requires an adequate support system to solve day-to-day problems, as well as providing the support necessary to maintain motivation at an optimal level. At all levels, health workforce decisions and practices impact the outcomes of the health-care system. For example, failure to train sufficient numbers of one category of providers (such as nurses) reduces accessibility to and efficiency of services. Without incentives to encourage providers to work in remote or poorer regions of a country, workers migrate, with subsequent inequities in access to services. Basic training that is not relevant to the needs of the population results in a health-care system less effective at improving health status. Poor management of personnel and unsatisfactory working conditions, usually associated with a discouraged workforce, 10

19 make it difficult for health-care systems to respond to consumers expectations. In summary, success in reaching the health-related MDGs will depend on adjustments in the number, skills mix, distribution, education and training, management, and working conditions (including incentive systems) of the health workforce. While the challenges are daunting and will require long-term investments from all stakeholders beyond the health sectors, opportunities also exist. After years of neglect and underinvestment, the central role of the health workforce to the effectiveness of health programmes and health outcomes is finally recognized. Experience from a number of countries has shown that scaling up HRH is possible with determined and sustainable action, and with support from internal and external technical and financial partners. 11

20 Chapter 2 - The Human Resources for Health Action Framework The Human Resources for Health (HRH) Action Framework is designed to assist countries in developing and implementing strategies to achieve an effective and sustainable health workforce 2. Developed by representatives of partner countries, multilateral and bilateral agencies, donors, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and the academic community, the Framework provides a roadmap for developing national HRH plans for addressing the overall health workforce crisis (Figure 5). Figure 5 The HRH Action Framework a Preparation & planning Country specific context including labour market Situation analysis Policy Leadership Finance HRM Systems Partnership Education Implementation Critical success factors Improved health workforce outcomes Better health services Equity Effectiveness Efficiency Accessibility Better health outcomes M&E Other health system components a Source: The HRH Action Framework (available at: accessed April 2008). Although the Framework is applicable in all countries, its use will be influenced by the elements specific to the country context (for example, the economy, the political situation), including the labour market (the capacity of the health workforce in general, international labour influences). The outcomes of applying the Framework will also be influenced by the strength of other components in the country s health system (for example, the availability of drugs and equipment, the level of technology available, and the number and condition of health facilities). The HRH Action Framework contains six action fields (policy, finance, education, partnership, leadership, and HR management systems) and four phases of the action cycle (situational analysis, planning, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation). It provides a simple but comprehensive technical framework to help countries develop a national HRD plan that can be supported by 12 2 The HRH Action Framework is available at /tools/en

21 donors and implemented systematically. Ensuring a comprehensive approach to an HRH challenge requires that all action fields and phases of the action cycle be eventually addressed. However, the Framework is constructed such that, based on a particular area of interest or programme responsibility, any action field or phase can be selected for in-depth analysis and planning. These six action fields, when in balance, contribute to a coordinated approach to developing the health workforce. When emphasis is given only to some of the action fields, the outcome will be less than optimal. The Framework should not be seen as a static tool, but rather as a flexible tool for a comprehensive and systematic approach to health workforce development. Other components of the Framework are not discussed in detail in this handbook. However, some observations related to the other building blocks to health systems and to the countryspecific context that are important to consider in the planning process are outlined below. Human resources for health is not only the most expensive building block of the health system, but also the most important component in delivering better health services. However, the impact of an improved health workforce on services, and thus on health outcomes, may be limited if other components of the health system essential to health worker productivity remain underdeveloped. Therefore, although the focus of this handbook is HRH, the importance of other building blocks that contribute to more equitable, effective, efficient, and accessible health services should be recognized. A health system consists of all organizations, people, and actions whose primary intent is to promote, restore, or maintain health. This includes efforts to influence determinants of health as well as more direct activities aimed at improving health. A health system is, therefore, more than the pyramid of publicly owned facilities that deliver personal health services. It includes, for example, a mother caring for a sick child at home, private providers, behavioural change programmes, vector-control campaigns, and health insurance organizations. It includes intersectoral action by health staff, for example, encouraging the ministry of education to promote female education, a well-known determinant of better health. Table 1 details the six action fields and defines for each field the key areas of intervention. The outcome or goal of health systems can be defined as improving health and health equity in ways that are responsive, financially fair, and make the best or most efficient use of available resources. There are also important intermediate goals: the route from inputs to health outcomes is through achieving greater access to and coverage with effective health interventions without compromising efforts to ensure the quality and safety of providers. WHO has defined the critical health system components, or building blocks, needed to improve health outcomes (Table 2). 13

22 Table 1 The HRH Action Framework: action field, definition, and areas of intervention a Action field Definition Areas of intervention Policy Finance Education Partnerships Leadership Human resource management systems Legislation, regulation and guidelines for conditions of employment, work standards and development of the health workforce Obtaining, allocating and distributing adequate funding for human resources Development and maintenance of a skilled workforce Formal and informal linkages aligning key stakeholders (e.g., service providers, priority disease control programmes, consumer/patient organizations) to maximize use of human resources for health. Capacity to provide direction, align people, mobilize resources and reach goals practice to plan for necessary staff, recruit, hire, deploy, develop and support health workers that impact HRH. employers. care providers. providers to supplement the delivery of health services. for health services. and other stakeholders. and advocates. norms), recruitment, hiring, and deployment. workplace safety, job satisfaction, and career development. timely availability of accurate data required for planning, training, appraising, and supporting the workforce. supervision, and productivity. a Source: The HRH Action Framework (available at: accessed April 2008). 14

23 Table 2 Building blocks for improving health outcomes a Good health services to those who need them, when needed, and with minimum waste of resources. health workforce who are competent, responsive, and productive. health information system is one that ensures the production, analysis, dissemination and use of reliable and timely information on health determinants; health systems and health status. medical products and technologies of assured A good health financing system raises adequate funds for health in ways that ensure people can use needed services, Leadership and governance involves ensuring strategic policy frameworks exist and are combined with effective a Source: Everybody s business: strengthening health systems to improve health outcomes. WHO s framework for action. Geneva, World Health Organization, Decisions about HR strategies should be viewed in the context of the broader policy environment of the country. Major policies may be concerned with areas such as: the devolution of political power; stabilization or national reconciliation in the aftermath of war or conflict; improving the performance of government through civil service reform; public sector administrative and/or economic reforms; the expansion of the private sector; reducing unemployment; and achieving greater equity in resource distribution. Broader public sector reform may provide an opportunity to address a particular HR problem such as the management of staff performance. On the other hand, the poor economic situation in a country may mean that although salaries are low and it is therefore difficult to attract and retain staff, the ministry of finance is not going to support pay increases. A scan of the policy environment should be undertaken as part of the situation analysis. The labour market refers to the market in which workers compete for jobs, and employers compete for workers. An analysis of the labour market will establish the likely source of health workers and the type, volume, and direction of losses that employers are experiencing. In the health sector, this is a global labour market that results in international migration, as well as internal migration between employers and between different segments of the labour market (public sector, faith-based organization or NGO, private-for-profit). Migration even occurs within a large single organization; for example, employees often try to move from rural to urban postings. Both the internal labour market and the position in the global labour market will differ from country to country. Therefore, an analysis of the labour market should be included in the overall situational analysis. 15

24 Chapter 3 - The Stop TB Strategy Reaching and sustaining the TB-related MDGs requires a comprehensive and sustained response, with complementary measures intended to address the social and environmental factors that increase the risk of developing TB. Poor people bear the greatest burden of morbidity and mortality caused by TB. The Stop TB Strategy was designed as a key component of broader international, national, and local strategies to alleviate poverty (Table 3). The Stop TB Strategy builds on the DOTS strategy, while also broadening its scope to address remaining constraints and modern challenges in TB control. This expanded scope is needed to achieve the MDG and related Stop TB Partnership targets for TB control. Such expansion is deemed necessary to attune TB control efforts in the context of the current global TB scenario. NTPs and partner agencies and organizations involved in TB control must address a number of challenges to fully implement the Stop TB Strategy. At the heart of these challenges are the following issues related to the health workforce: ensuring that existing staff in the health system, (i.e., health service providers and health management and support workers) are competent in relation to their job descriptions to implement the Stop TB Strategy; ensuring that the necessary support systems are in place to enable staff to perform their tasks; and ensuring that sufficient staff are available. A strategic HRD plan and an annual HRD implementation plan for comprehensive TB control should support implementation of all components of the Stop TB Strategy. These plans should be based on an analysis of the achievements and constraints in reaching national targets for TB control; and, as outlined in the long-term strategic plans for TB control, to reach the TB-related MDGs. 16

25 Table 3 The Stop TB Strategy at a glance a VISION GOAL OBJECTIVES TARGETS COMPONENTS OF THE STRATEGY & IMPLEMENTATION APPROACHES 1 Pursue high-quality DOTS expansion and enhancement c. Standardized treatment with supervision and patient support. d. An effective drug supply and management system. e. Monitoring and evaluation system, and impact measurement. 2. Address TB/HIV, MDR-TB, and other challenges 3. Contribute to health system strengthening management, service delivery, and information systems. Share innovations that strengthen systems, including the Practical Approach to Lung Health (PAL). 4. Engage all care providers 5. Empower people with TB and communities Advocacy, communication, and social mobilization. Patients Charter for Tuberculosis Care. 6. Enable and promote research Research to develop new diagnostics, drugs, and vaccines. a Source: The Stop TB Strategy: building on and enhancing DOTS to meet the TB-related Millennium Development Goals. Geneva, World Health Organization,

26 Chapter 4 - The HRH Action Framework and HRD for implementation of the Stop TB Strategy Services for TB control are implemented through and by the existing health workforce within the national health system. Establishing and understanding the roles, functions, and responsibilities for development of the health workforce at different levels of the system and among different stakeholders is essential in developing a strategic approach. This will ensure that the NTP is able to foster adequate staffing, development, retention, and performance of the health workforce involved in implementing the Stop TB Strategy. This handbook assumes long-term close collaboration and coordination between the NTP and the health system management/hrh departments of the ministry of health. Table 4 describes the role and functions for developing different aspects of HRD for comprehensive TB control based on the HRH Action Framework presented in Table 1. To enable implementation of the Stop TB Strategy, NTPs need to establish the organizational structure at the central level of the programme. This includes, but is not limited to: assigning a dedicated focal person or point person for HRD in the NTP (in bigger countries this corresponds to a full-time job); appointing an HR coordination group with representatives from training institutions, health workers, concerned professional organizations, and other disease control programmes; and determining roles and functions for HR management at subnational levels (within the context of NTP). Although not an exhaustive list, Table 4 provides the guiding principles; the overall structure and situation will vary from country to country. The HRD functions within the NTP should be carried out in close collaboration and coordination with the overall HRH department to ensure optimal efficiency and results. The template for the strategic plan and the annual implementation plan outlined in Part III of this handbook focuses on the planning and management of HRD for implementation of the Stop TB Strategy based on the role and functions outlined in Table 4. 18

27 Table 4 Role and functions for development of human resources for health (HRH): HRH department/unit and national TB control programme (NTP) Action fields Policy Finance Education, including preservice (basic), postgraduate, in-service and continuing education Role of Ministry of Health HRH Department (overall HRH) related to health service mission and goals (policies related to all components of the HRH framework). the expenditure needed to develop, deploy, and sustain an adequate health workforce (this includes expenses for salaries, support to basic management functions such include both recurrent costs such as salaries and incentives, training costs, and general running and administrative costs. planning and management for HRH. linked to long term health workforce plans and projections. prepare health workers for their future roles and functions. for all basic and continuing education. required for each category of health worker as standards for training and evaluation). on health service needs, is competency based, and follows de facto health authority guidelines. programmes. pass and fail for all training. Role of NTP strategy (e.g., task shifting; hiring of additional for disadvantaged geographical placements; HR needs in special situations; needs for and participation in special tasks forces and coordination groups). support overall health workplace development. enables the implementation of the strategic support to the implementation of the strategic programmes for different categories of health workers involved in the implementation of the the above. guidelines. evaluations systems are in place and used particular attention to the technical and educational competencies of the future facilitators, as well as the ability to encourage course participants to develop skills in independent thinking and problem solving). 19

28 Action fields Education, including preservice (basic), postgraduate, in-service and continuing education Partnerships Leadership Human resource management Ministry of Health HRH Department (overall HRH) to train all required health cadres and that the capacity of those training institutions is maintained and strengthened. and education. sector, private sector, and community networks. representation in health services. to face challenges and make progress in improving health outcomes under complex conditions. of human resource policies. for managers at all levels. Personnel management: promotion. NTP (long term as well as short term) in close collaboration and coordination with other priority health programmes and interventions. institutions to strengthen educational quality of training activities. workers involved in the implementation of the for follow up after training. training. the competency needs for the implementation private sector, and community networks with national programmes, medical associations, international organizations. managers to solve problems at service delivery level, ensuring needed resources are available. work plans and monitor performance. Personnel management: the central level, for the implementation of the retention strategies and incentive packages for rural postings. for adequate HR management. 20

29 Action fields Human resource management Ministry of Health HRH Department (overall HRH) and termination. of employment policy manuals. and professional associations. Performance management: on national health policies, and plans and ensures health workers are provided with the relevant job descriptions. supervision in all areas of the health service. evaluating performance. motivation and retention, including career structures for all areas. education for all health workers. NTP overall HR management systems and policies currently in place. posts, severely understaffed health centres) Performance management: tasks by level and by professional category, strategy. current policies and recommendations, e.g., programmes. development and implementation of strategies 21

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31 Part II: Towards comprehensive TB control: developing HRD plans for implementation of the Stop TB Strategy Part II describes the planning process required for the preparation of strategic plans for HRD in support of comprehensive TB control within the NTP. All countries can accelerate health gains by investing in and managing their health workforce more strategically. Human resources for health: overcoming the crisis. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press,

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33 Chapter 5 - The planning process Planning, whether it is done by the ministry of health, the NTP, or the HRD component of the NTP, consists of similar activities. The complexity of each activity and the time needed to perform it will depend on the goals of the programme and their stage of development, and whether planning is being done for the first time or is already part of routine management activities. This chapter provides an overview of the planning process used in this handbook. Table 5 defines the planning terms used in this handbook. Overview of the planning process 3 Planning facilitates the review of an organization, programme or programme components and its objectives, strategies, and achievements, it systematizes the development or revision of strategies and activities to achieve its goals. Whether planning for a health centre, district, province, or central office, the questions to consider are the same: 1. What are we trying to achieve? What are our visions and goals? (see Table 3 for the vision and goals of the Stop TB Strategy and to Table 6 below for those for HRD for TB control). 2. How will we achieve it? What are the strategies? (see Table 3 and Table 6) 3. What is the current situation, and what are we doing now? What are the obstacles to achieving our goal and, ultimately, our vision? 4. Where do we want to be in the short term and in the medium term? 5. What will we do to implement the strategies, and what are the priorities? 6. How much will it cost and how will it be financed? 7. How will we know whether we are making progress and meeting our objectives? Planners need to continuously ask themselves these seven questions in order to: identify and meet new needs; prioritize these needs for better focus; correct problems; and maintain and increase achievements. 25

34 Table 5 Definitions of planning terms used in this handbook a may call an objective. What one person calls an objective, another might call a strategy. Whatever terms are used in a What are we trying to achieve? The vision vision statement is a vivid idealized description of a desired outcome that inspires, energizes and helps than what is considered to be the best possible outcome. The goal or goals will generally describe the desired situation that is the aim of the major stakeholders. A goal is a broad How will we achieve it? A strategy is a description of an intervention or set of interventions necessary to achieve the goal. What are we doing now? What are the obstacles? A review of the current situation is: Where do we want to be in the medium term? Objectives describe expected results in measureable terms (SMART objectives). What will we do to implement the strategies to achieve the objectives? Activities and the persons responsible. How much will it cost and how will we pay for them? A financial plan describes the resources that are needed to conduct the activities, the estimated cost of those resources, and sources of revenue to pay for them. How will we know whether we are making progress and achieving our objectives? Monitoring is the process of regularly checking the implementation of plans. Evaluation is the process of analyzing data about planning, the process of implementation, and the resulting products for the purpose of improving future planning. a 26